Why is Scotch Whisky self-destructing?

It started when a leading liquor company found price a salvation for achieving volumes, ignorantly eroding equity and deliberately destroying their whisky brands as well as other brands ignorantly benchmarking & adopting their policy.

I imagine the marketing director alienated, fighting a losing battle with his leadership team. Any gender in the drinks industry worth their salt will quote multiple lessons in our drinks business history exposing this thinking as irresponsibly destructive.

Nevertheless, this leading liquor company successfully bluffed the copycats achieving the beginning of Scotch whiskies decline driving volume over value to a point that it made no sense to trade. The damage is done, and Scotch will be recovering for many years to come at great expense to rebuild its premium cues. The bigger picture is even deeper. It is the winner of white spirits that will conquer!

The nagging conspiracy theorist in me smells an alternative rat! Is there a tactical & devious plan that thinks a world where 'Brexit' allows for an independent Scotland is a direct threat to English dominance in Scotch whisky - the second largest revenue stream for the English economy? Will it make more sense to focus and invest instead in white spirits & especially Gins to diminish reliance on Scotch? Then there is the other great brown spirit to ward off. The Irish is coming!

This post is not sinister but cheeky as in tongue in cheek.

Worth the EXTRA Wait!

BLOG RESILIENCE
So why the wait? Mostly to test the a 'long-term-content' blogs resilience. Would people care if regular posts were absent, but the overall content was legend? It turns out 'The Whiskey Notebook' blog is supremely resilient.

N.A.S. BRANDS
It was coincidentally opportune to be silent as the whisky world was doing an about turn on aged-stated whiskies. I refer to N.A.S. (non-age-stated) whisky. Today matters are settled and most leading whisky producers include N.A.S. whiskies in their range. One company is even promoting 'Flavour is King' without stating 'king over what?'. They mean 'king over aged whiskies' but the claim is wrong.
 
I have embraced NAS whiskies after extensive tastings across the latest offerings from various whisky suppliers. Some were awful and others awesome.

CHIVAS EXTRA
This brings me to this newest post and to a new passion - a N.A.S. whisky from Chivas Brothers - Chivas Regal Extra Blended Scotch whisky which won Gold at the recent 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Challenge in the category 'Best Blended Scotch up to 15 years old'.

 Photograph property of Mark Backhouse

"An incredibly rich and discerning interpretation of the Chivas Signature style".

Colin Scott

Chivas Regal Master Blender

There is nothing I do not like about this new expression in the Chivas Regal range. I prefer the uncomplicated studier gift box. The word 'Extra' fully encapsulates the rich, generous, and discerning taste of the new blend assembled by the world-renowned Chivas Regal master blender. The packaging is a mixture of deep burgundy-red and gold elements representing the REGAL and Classic character of the whisky. I am an immediate fan of Chivas Regal Extra. Chivas Regal further reinforces its credentials as the world's leading premium blended Scotch whisky with this fantastic addition in the range.

TASTING NOTES:
Colour: Dark in shade with a warm amber glow. Nose: Fruity sweet with notes of ripe pears and melon, creamy toffee, milk chocolate, cinnamon, and a hint of fresh ginger. Taste: Sweet ripe pears in syrup, vanilla caramel, cinnamon sweets, and almonds in the background. Finish: Beautifully rounded mouth feel, leading to a long, luxuriant sweet finish.

The Original Whiskey

The re-introduction of the original pure pot still Irish whiskey style takes us on a true journey of discovery into the original whiskeys of the world. A time when only spirit from copper pot stills were allowed to be aged into a whisky. A time before blended whiskeys. A time before quantity jeopardised quality. These extremely smooth Irish Pure Pot Still whiskies are rich in character and abundant in charm.

I am extremely excited about Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey's revival. The complete range of expressions of these Pure Pot Still whiskeys may be viewed on the Single Pot Still website: http://www.singlepotstill.com/
I recently introduced Redbreast Pure Pot Still whiskey to whisky friends and their consensus is a match: "You really haven't experienced whiskey before you taste the Original Whiskey." Redbreast is a perfect place to start, and it is now available in all reputable establishments.

The Age Matters - Royal Salute

The Age Matters - Royal Salute is a must see video about why age matters. Please click the link which will take you to the YouTube channel.

I am fascinated by the honesty of whiskies produced at Chivas Brothers. Almost every expression of the great Whiskies produced by Chivas Brother carries age statements on their labels. We know that whisky develops in character and especially smoothness when it spends more and more years aging in casks. The longer the whisky is aged in the extremes of the Scottish climate the more the aggressive alcohols escape & as the whisky rids itself of these harder alcohols over the many years, the whisky becomes increasingly smooth.

If you want a guarantee of a great Scotch whisky, look out for the age of the whisky stated on the label. This age statement will be the youngest drop of whisky in the bottle. It's no wonder Royal Salute is the best blended Scotch whisky range available in the world today.

The Balvenie launches 17 year old DoubleWood

Press Release

The Balvenie’s family of single malt Scotch whiskies has grown with the arrival of The Balvenie DoubleWood, Aged 17 Years – a significant new addition to the range from Scotland’s longest-serving Malt Master, David Stewart, which will be available in South Africa for the first time from June 2014.

The DoubleWood 17 Year Old is an elder sibling to DoubleWood 12 Year Old, The Balvenie’s most popular expression. The new aged version shares the same DNA and the honeyed, spicy characteristics as the 12 Year Old, but it is distinctly different, with deeper vanilla notes, hints of green apple, creamy toffee and a striking richness and complexity.

“The “cask finishing” technique is at the heart of The Balvenie DoubleWood – it sees the whisky matured first in American oak barrels, which impart soft sweet vanilla notes, before being transferred to European oak sherry casks. The second cask ageing adds a depth and fullness of flavour. We are very excited to be introducing the rich, spicy flavours of the 17 Year Old Doublewood to the South African consumers,” adds Marketing Manager Lauren Kuhlmey.
The Balvenie 17 Year Old DoubleWood has an MRP of R1 399 and will be available in all leading liquor stores nationwide.

Tasting notes:The Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Year Old is an expertly proportioned single malt with distinctive rich vanilla oak, with honey and layers of sweet spices. On the nose, it is elegant and complex with oak, vanilla, honeyed sweetness and a hint of green apple. To taste, it is sweet with dried fruits, sherbet spice, toasted almonds and cinnamon, layered with a richness of creamy toffee notes and traces of oak and deep vanilla

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask aged 14 years launches in SA

Produced by William Grants & Sons Ltd

Press Release 
Single malt Scotch enthusiasts can now enjoy a sweet taste of sunnier climes with the news that The Balvenie Caribbean Cask, Aged 14 Years, is launching in South Africa from June 2014.

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask was created by The Balvenie Malt Master, David Stewart, who celebrated an incredible 50th anniversary at the distillery in 2012.  This single malt has had a 14-year maturation period in traditional oak whisky casks, before being transferred to casks that previously held Caribbean rum to finish aging.
“This expression is a beautifully rounded whisky that combines traditional Balvenie vanilla notes with rich toffee, a hint of fruit and a warm, lingering finish. We are very excited for The Balvenie Caribbean Cask to be launching in South Africa for the very first time!” adds Marketing Manager Lauren Kuhlmey.
The outstanding quality of The Balvenie is a result of the craftsmanship retained by The Balvenie Distillery. Nowhere else is there a distillery that still grows its own barley, malts in its own traditional floor malting, employs a team of coopers to tend its casks, a coppersmith to maintain its stills and has in its service the most experienced Malt Master in Scotland.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask, Aged 14 Years, has an ABV of 43% and will be available in all leading liquor stores nationwide at an MRP of R799. 
Tasting Notes 
Nose: Rich, sweet and creamy toffee on the nose combines with fresh fruit notes
Taste: Rounded with vanilla and sweet oak notes, with a fruity character that develops with time time
Finish: Soft and lingering

The Original Whiskey of the World

The re-introduction of the original pure pot still Irish whiskey style takes us on a true journey of discovery into the original whiskey's of the world. A time when only spirit from copper pot stills were allowed to be aged into a whiskey. A time before blended whiskey's. A time before quantity jeopardised quality. A time when authentic meant the real deal!

These extremely smooth Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey's are rich in character and abundant in charm. Pour yourself a shot of any original Pure Pot Still Irish whiskey, add a splash of water, 2 ice cubes and savour your next best drink!

The complete range of these Pure Pot Still whiskey's may be viewed on the Single Pot Still website: http://www.singlepotstill.com/

Aberlour Puts its Crafted Quality Under the Lens with Ted Dwane’s Photography Exhibition

Many peoples 'most favourite list' includes music, photography and great whiskies. Imagine discovering a collaboration that includes up-and-coming photographer and bassist for the world-famous band, Mumford & Sons, Ted Dwane and one of the world  major, if not best, Scotch Single Malt whiskies - Aberlour. Wham! You have an early Xmas present.

"The partnership celebrates an appreciation for authenticity, craft and enigmatic quality. The attention to detail required by both the photographer and the master distiller, in their mutual quest for a product of depth and intrigue, culminates in a multi-layered result, whether it be a velvety smooth single malt or a single edition hand-developed printed portrait."


See more at: Chivas Brothers website

Scotch Malt and American whiskey compared - really?

Some statements irritate like flies around a summer fish braai (barbeque). You should swat them or wear an Aussie 'cork-on-string hat' and move on. Mr Jim Murray's recent comments are a collective noun for flies - a grist of flies! So bad is his comment that I cannot resist a response!
 
"Scotch malt whisky is now being outshone by 'vastly improved' American brands, leading critic says."

See what I mean  - horrible - once you analyze this controversial claim and discover who made the claim it becomes quite obvious that It is a poorly qualified opinion.

The not-so-great 'WHISKY BIBLE' by Jim Murray

My opinion about this statement is that everybody has an opinion except some people write books. I purchased a copy of Jim Murray's Whisky Bible in both hard-copy and iPad App format. Both a waste of time & money if you ask me! This is my opinion. Some consider Jim Murray's whisky bible a good read. Others have discovered authentic whisky writers.

I promised myself never to waste money or time on Jim Murray's books. I exclusively read good whisky books by Charles McLean (pictured right), Michael Jackson, Paul Pacult and others. These men are, and have been, awesome contributors to a fantastic Scotch whisky industry and remain independent.

SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION'S RESPONSE
I am amazed at the very polite response from the Scotch Whisky Association. Rosemary Gallagher, the spokesperson for the Scotch Whisky Association stated: "... This is really about Jim Murray's personal taste." True but the man's looking for a fight.

THE CHALLENGE
Mr Jim Murray please defend the following US distilleries trends: white whiskey; 2 year minimum ageing versus Scotch 3 year minimum limit, hot climate & ageing, charcoal filtration etc? We know we have limited knowledge about a field you have mastered so we trust you will remain accurate in your reply. Please refrain from subjective answers.

John Powers John's Lane 12 yo now in South Africa

John Clement Ryan's visit to Cape Town at the end of January 2014 coincides with the availability of 'Powers John's Lane 12 year old pure pot still Irish whiskey' which will now be stocked in leading South African liquor stores and top end bars across South Africa. Stock are extremely limited.

This remarkable whiskey is described by internationally renowned whisky authority -  Dave Broom: "This is astoundingly complex for a 12yo. An instant classic" - and later states in the Financial Times "... a whisky which makes you sigh contentedly ... ". I concur. Powers John's Lane Pure Pot Still Irish whiskey is bottled at 46% ABV.

John Powers established his distillery in Thomas Street in Dublin, Ireland in 1791 - eleven short years after John Jameson. The John Jameson distillery was established on the banks of the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland in 1780. John Powers was quick to innovate to protect his brand of whiskey, thus Powers Irish whiskey became the first bottled whiskey. This was followed by the Baby Powers for the ladies - the first whiskey 5.cl (50ml) miniature.

Dave Broom's tasting notes

Nose: Bold and rich with masses of oily leather, sandalwood, spices frying in melted butter, plump black fruits - black cherry and tayberry. 
Palate: That ebullient fruitiness continues, this time opening into apricot, cling peaches (and custard) and a topical edge of passion fruit. The sweetness becomes more savoury in the centre as the oiliness picks up.
Finish: Long and spicy.

Watch the YouTube video - Power John's Lane Release - The Irish

Powers John's Lane 12 year old Pure Pot Still Irish whiskey is now available in South Africa's leading top end liquor outlets. 

John Clement Ryan in Cape Town late January 2014

I have admired John Clement Ryan from the very first time I was invited to sit in on a tasting he presented. I remained mesmerized by this larger than life man with his deep baritone voice and abundant charm. He closed the evening by playing his classic guitar and  singing familiar Irish folk songs
John Ryan is a direct descendent of the famous John Powers whiskey family. As John himself says - his veins run whiskey.

THE SINGLE PURE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY DINNER IN CAPE TOWN
John Ryan will be hosting a dinner late January 2014 for a group of invited guests in Cape Town, South Africa. He is introducing us to the Pure Pot Still Irish whiskey's new to South Africa. The new Pure Pot Still Irish whiskey's being introduced to South Africa from November 2013 include: Redbreast, Middleton Very Rare, Green Spot and Yellow Spot Pure Pot Still whiskey's.

This is now my most anticipated evening for 2014. Seats to the dinner are sought after but limited. We have one seat reserved for a true whiskey lover, so If you wish to meet the awesome Mr John Clement Ryan as an invited guest to his whiskey dinner - publish a remarkable  comment. Remember, if you are not from Cape Town, South Africa you need to budget for travel expenses.

Ballantine's South Africa Webiste Launched

Ballantine's Finest is the leading blended Scotch whisky in the world. The Ballantine's Family extends across various aged expressions including. the 12, 17, 21, 30, 40 and 41 year old Ballantine's. Many major whiskies of the world have no or limited age expressions.

Ballantine's is known as 'THE SCOTCH'. Not only is the bottle an original reflection of the bottles in which whisky was first bottled - now redesigned but still true to this original heritage. The lable is adorned with a coat of arms granted by The Lord Lyon - the master of Arms, and reflects the true art of whisky making.

There are over 40 single malts in Ballantine's. These malts are from across all the whisky producing regions in Scotland. Ballantine's therefore deserves the title of 'THE SCOTCH' as every element on the bottle and the contents in the bottle represents all and the best of scotch whisky making.

Visit 'Ballantine's South Africa Facebook Page' to see the latest Ballantine's bottle design. Please like the Ballantine's Facebook page.

Although its not WHISKY it's Malibutique 2013 Event Hosted By Malibu Rum

Malibutique 2013 What is Malibutique ? It is a play on the words Malibu and boutique, a promotional pop-up event hosted by Malibu Rum....

I love this innovative, creative and convivial Malibu experience that has me wondering why WHISKY is taking itself so seriously. I'm so tired of the same stuffy WHISKY festivals. We need a fresh approach.

Alyn Smith: Whisky association must accept a sound judgment - News - Scotsman.com

I have not applied my mind to this fully but find myself intrigued and concerned. At face value I agree cheap drinks add to endemic alcohol problems but I remind myself I must think this through more fully. Please add comments that may illuminate areas I am so shadowed about. See the article below

Alyn Smith: Whisky association must accept a sound judgment - News - Scotsman.com

Not Irish Whiskey if it is spelt whisky!

Jameson Irish whiskey is the leading Irish whiskey in the world and is the reason for Irish whiskey's continued international growth. 



The above picture does not feature a bottle of Jameson. It is a fact that Jameson is a  powerful brand that it often overpowers other brands. The picture below shows just how Jameson dominates.

Irish whiskey deserves to regain its position as a leading whiskey of the world. It is distilled three times and refined twice to ensure absolute purity and smoothness. We all know the crack the Scots make at the Irish expense: "the Irish distill it a third time because they couldn't get it right the second time"! Take a sip of any scotch (even a twelve year old Scotch) and then a sip of Jameson Irish whiskey and you will discover why the Irish distill once more and why the Scots are bitter.

It is a proud day finding a new Irish Whiskey website -  http://irishwhisky.org.uk featuring: Jameson, Powers, Bushmills, Paddy, Tullamore Dew, Connemara, Kilbeggan, Tyrconnell, Inishowen, Greenore, Redbreast, Midleton, Greenspot, Locke's, Clontarf, Knappogue Castle and Danny Boy.

Its a sad day that it isn't managed by the Irish. How do I know that it is not managed by the Irish - simple - an Irishman would have spelt whiskey correctly. I hope sanity prevails and the Irish take back this site. Especially as it is a 'dot org' web address.